Player Hater

By Charmaine White

Funny man Allen Rivera wants to change his reputation from class clown to sophomore heartthrob in order to gain the attention of the gorgeous Carmen Sanchez. Allen's popular friend, Torean Hudson has never had a problem gaining the attention from girls, so he volunteers to turn Allen into a ladies man. Torean never expects Allen's new found popularity to put him in danger of losing his title as the number one player at Wilson High. As jealousy flares and competition arises, the two friends are now placed in a complicated and possibly heartbreaking position. How far are they willing to go in order to be the number one ladies man at Wilson High?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wahida Clark Presents Publishing
• Release date: Aug 31, 2012
• ISBN: 9781936649600

Charmaine White

Charmaine White The voice of young adults uses relevant experiences to write colorful stories for teenagers. Charmaine White was raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and currently lives in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Being a high school senior, involved in Varsity Cheerleading and honors groups, such as The National Honor Society, she is able to be the voice of young adults when crafting such relatable novels. Knowing the secrets, and all the behind the scene action that happens in high school, Charmaine White found a way to turn these issues into realistic, dramatic stories. She likes to "keep it real", through and through, so one will never be unsatisfied when reading her novels. Exposing the cliques, parties, and drama, Charmaine White will definitely make high school novels more interesting. Charmaine White The voice of young adults uses relevant experiences to write colorful stories for teenagers. Charmaine White was raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and currently lives in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Being a high school senior, involved in Varsity Cheerleading and honors groups, such as The National Honor Society, she is able to be the voice of young adults when crafting such relatable novels. Knowing the secrets, and all the behind the scene action that happens in high school, Charmaine White found a way to turn these issues into realistic, dramatic stories. She likes to "keep it real", through and through, so one will never be unsatisfied when reading her novels. Exposing the cliques, parties, and drama, Charmaine White will definitely make high school novels more interesting.

Book preview

ALLEN RIVERA

Thursday, 6:38p.m. ~ HOME

It was six thirty-eight at night, and Allen sat at the small round table with his mom and dad, getting ready to chow down on dinner. Allen watched his mom place down his father’s plate, and his stomach gave an excited grumble when he saw the delectable meal, he and his family were about to eat.

Dang ma, you must be in a good mood today! Allen said to his mother once his plate was placed in front of him. They were eating Picadillio, a traditional Mexican dish made of seasoned ground beef and peppers. Any other day Allen’s mom would make pork chops or tacos, but for her to make such a time-consuming meal that looked as if it was made by his Abuela herself really took Allen off guard.

Oh Allen, you act as if I never feed you guys, Rosalie responded to her son. She sat down at the table and placed her napkin on her lap, Now I know I haven’t made anything this special since your father got that new promotion at work, but you have to give me more credit than that.

Allen’s mom was a soft looking woman with delicate features, resembling actress Thalia Ariadna. Rosalie had a thin frame, weighing 140 pounds and the same thick, curly hair as Allen, except it reached the middle of her back. Her tan skin had copper freckles, and a warm-hearted smile was usually settled on her face, but tonight her face was tight, showing a distinct sign of stress.

Well Rosalie, this is a very great meal, and I cannot wait to start eating, Allen’s dad said to his wife.

Allen’s mother weakly smiled at her husband picked up her fork to eat, and right when she was about to put the food in her mouth, she dropped the fork, folded her arms, and looked up at Allen. His father moved around uncomfortably in his seat, sensing the storm that was quickly approaching.

Allen Miguel José Martinez Rivera! What were you thinking? Getting sent to the office again? Rosalie yelled across the table.

Oh, here we go again. Allen thought as he placed his fork down and looked up at his mom, waiting for her to finish shouting at him.

Trece times! Tres veces esta semana Allen! Qué estás haciendo? Tratando de romper su propio record?Allen’s mom stood up and placed her hands on her hips. Well are you going to speak? Or are you just gonna sit there looking stupid?

Ma, you don’t understand! That Mr. Brunning treats all his students like crap, and I was just standing up for us. He deserved it! Allen huffed. It wasn’t fair that his mom was freaking out on him. It wasn’t as if he vandalized Mr. Brunning’s car; he only shouted out a few jokes. He couldn’t help it if his way of defending himself was by making gags.

Allen’s mom walked right up to where Allen sat and put her dainty finger in his face, Do you think our family came to this country so that you can make jokes and get sent to the office every time I look around? No! Your father and I left Mexico twenty years ago so that we could make a better life for our children and ourselves. But it seems that the child I had did not truly appreciate all we did to get here!

Allen looked over at his father, giving him a signal with his eyes to chime in at any moment to help him out.

Rosalie, calm down, Allen’s dad said to his wife, Maybe the teacher really was being rude to the students and Allen was just defending himself, Allen’s father motioned towards his plate, Its dinner; let’s just eat, Allen’s dad always knew when to come to his rescue. Even though Allen’s mother screamed, he was grateful that his father intervened before she issued his grounding sentence.

Thank God. Allen said to himself after blowing out the air he was holding in his mouth the entire time his mom was shouting at him.

Fine, Allen’s mom said, once again taking her seat, But I’m warning you Allen. You better be careful what you do from this day forward, or there won’t be any more roasts on that YouTube, and I mean it.

Sí mami, Allen responded, taking a huge forkful of Picadillio and stuffing it into his mouth. Allen heard that threat so many times that whenever his mother would threaten him with it, he would respond as if she was simply talking about the weather. They knew how much he loved making his comedy roasts; they would never take that away from him.

So how are things going at work? Allen’s dad, who is an exact replica of Allen, except older, with graying hair and creased skin, asked.

Allen looked up at his father, Everything’s going great. We got a new shipment of iPhones and the manager said that the employees could get a 50% off discount, so I’m going to buy me one of ‘em.

Loving electronics, Allen couldn’t have asked for a better job than Radio Shack. The job was fun and he got the hottest gadgets before anyone else, and being in the North Side Mall, he was able to check out all the fine girls, which was a plus. The only downside to it was getting paid minimum wage.

Well, that’s good hijo. I was getting sick of you walking around with that Blackberry. Those things are so played out to me, Rosalie said, laughing while spooning some more food onto her plate.

Allen and his dad laughed, Since when do you know so much about cell phones, Mom?

I know about everything, Rosalie spoke in an ominous tone.

His dad slowly nodded his head in agreement.

Allen rolled his eyes at his parents playfully. Even though he was always getting into trouble for being obnoxious at school, and his mom and dad took their role of good cop, bad cop much too seriously; Allen had to admit that he had some pretty great parents. They sacrificed a lot to come to America so that he could have the opportunity to live to his full potential, and Allen would always appreciate that. Along with comedy, family was his life. Without the two, Allen Rivera would not be anything near the person who he was today.

ALLEN RIVERA & TOREAN HUDSON

SEVENTH HOUR /STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Friday, 2:15p.m.

Torean and Allen stood in the video production’s classroom where they taped the morning announcements for the next day. The two boys were looking in the huge mirror on the back of the door, fixing the ties of their suits. Everyone who was an anchor for the announcements had to dress up for the class. Allen wore a simple pair of grey dress pants with a white Oxford shirt, cuffed at the sleeves, and a blue and grey striped tie. Torean rocked a pair of blue jeans with a navy blue oxford shirt under a white linen blazer. Both looked super good for the day’s announcements.

The two boys heard a soft tap on the door.

Come in, Torean said, brushing his hair.

When the door opened, Allen’s casual demeanor changed as he started to get nervous.

Hey guys, how much longer are you going to be, because everyone’s waiting on you, Carmen Sanchez, their co-anchor said.

She looked over at Allen, who stared at himself in the mirror awkwardly, and smiled, Allen, you look fine. Can we please just get started now? You guys know how much I hate wearing these clothes, Carmen complained, yanking at her silk shirt for emphasis. After giving the guys another quick grin, exposing her pearly whites, she exited the room.

Fixing his blazer, Torean said, We all know how much she likes to get out of her clothes.

Allen playfully punched Torean in the arm, Dude, do not even go there. Carmen’s not like that at all.

Oh, now you know how to speak? When Carmen was in here you couldn’t speak two words, but now that she’s gone, you wanna say something?

Allen raised his eyebrows obliviously, If I knew what you were talking about I would respond to what you just said; but I don’t, so I’ll just let that comment go. Allen went to open the door, but Torean held it shut.

You know what I’m talkin’ about Al. I notice everything that goes on around here, and I definitely know that you’re feeling her.

Allen tissed, I’m not feeling Carmen or whatever. She and I are just chill with each other. That’s it.

Torean rolled his eyes, Sure Al, say what you want.

Allen shook his head, turning down Torean’s comment. Fixing his tie, Allen began to get annoyed at Torean all over again. First, he was acting like some all-seeing eye who knew that Allen was into Carmen, which was none of his business; and now Torean was breathing out these insanely loud, thick snores right in Allen’s ear. Torean was seriously rubbing Allen the wrong way before he had to go out on set.

Dang Torean, do you really need to breathe that hard?

What are you talking about? Torean asked, his hand on the doorknob, preparing to leave the room.

You’re breathing like a fat— Allen quickly moved Torean’s hand from the doorknob, Wait! he whispered to Torean. Allen put his ear to the door and heard the breathing again.

Guuuh guuuh ahhh guuuh

Yo Torean, I think Lafonda is waiting outside this door, Allen said to his friend, panic in his voice.

Torean put his fist to his mouth to stop himself from laughing. Torean has heard stories about Lafonda Rice and her crush on Allen, but he didn’t know that this girl was on stalker status.

Guuuh, guuuh, ahhh, guuuh

Man, she’s still out there! Allen whispered. With his ear still pressed against the door, he heard the crinkling of plastic, I think she’s eating something.

Torean quickly put his ear to the door and listened.

Mmmm, I love mey some Big Texus, Lafonda moaned on the other side of the door. Ten seconds after opening the pastry wrapper, Lafonda slid the empty package under the dressing room door.

Torean picked it up and began cracking up laughing. He tried handing it over to Allen, but once Allen saw the huge heart drawn in permanent marker on the Big Texas bag; he moved his body out of the way.

Dude, that girl seriously gets on my nerves! Allen whined.

Well at least someone wants you, Torean joked.

Allen cut his eyes at Torean while he opened the door, This stays between me and you.

The two of them left the dressing room and made their way into the media center. The room had a green screen and a long table with three chairs, one for Torean, Carmen, and Allen. A tripod with a camcorder stood a few feet in front of the table.

Finally, you’re here! Kayla, a pretty girl, mixed with Native American and black with long, wavy, black hair and glasses, shouted when she saw the two boys arrive into the room. Kayla practically ran the student announcements. She hated it when her anchors showed up late because they wanted to stare at themselves all day long.

Yes, yes, we’re here Boss Lady, Allen joked, trying to forget about the creepy scene that just took place a few minutes ago, Geeze Kayla, calm down; Harvard won’t decline your acceptance if we don’t film the announcements at exactly two-thirty.

Kayla laughed, Shut up and let’s just get this thing done.

Torean walked over to his seat at the long table, and his friend and fellow Clique Boy, Ricky Vega, who worked the cameras for the announcements, walked up to him. What’s good my man? Ricky said to Torean.

Torean gave his boy a fist bump, Nothin’ much man. Just tryna get over this crazy hangover from last night’s party.

Oh yeah, Ricky said in agreement, that party was crazy. The T.L.C.’s definitely know how to throw a bash! Ricky reminisced on the blaring music, the countertops covered in hard liquor, and the coffee table littered in White Owl rappers. Parties around Wilson tended to get pretty wild, and this one was no different.

Man, it was only the T.L.’s who threw the party, ‘cause Carmen wasn’t even there, Torean joked.

What about me? Carmen asked as she walked over to her seat next to Torean.

Ricky replied, We were just talkin’ about how your sexy butt wasn’t at your girl’s party last night.

Carmen rolled her eyes and put some lip gloss on her lips, I had far better things to do on my Thursday night than to go to a party, even if it was my crew’s, knowing that we had school the next day. Tiffany and Lauren were tripping, planning a party on a week night.

Torean bent his head into Carmen’s face and said, What better things did you have to do last night? Or should I say who did you have to do last night?

Ricky and Torean laughed, and Carmen pushed Torean’s head out of the way.

Allen walked up to the table right when he saw Torean in Carmen’s face. He tried to let it go, but thoughts of the conversation the both of them had a few minutes back about his feelings for Carmen kept creeping on him.

Hey Allen, Carmen smiled in his direction while he took a seat right next to her.

Como está? Allen said.

Estoy muy bien, Carmen responded with another smile.

Oh here we go again with the private Spanish conversations, Ricky said rolling his eyes sarcastically, You guys do know that I’m Spanish too, right?

Whatever you whore, Carmen joked under her breath.

If anyone’s a whore here, it’s you.

Allen tissed under his breath at Ricky; once again, there was a comment referring to Carmen as being a whore. The Clique Boys had nothing better to do than to throw dirt on someone’s name. Allen believed that Carmen was not that type of girl at all. He just wished everyone else at Wilson would believe the same thing.

Oh, here we go again Ricky! You’re such a hater! Carmen shouted, flipping her long hair in aggravation.

Kayla came up and broke up the heated discussion, It’s time to start the announcements guys.

Fine by me, Torean replied, a hint of a smile on his face. He absolutely loved when people were arguing. It was as if he fed off the drama that Wilson High produced. Torean thought of himself as the all-seeing eye at Wilson, so he knew that Allen got bothered when Ricky called Carmen out, and he knew it was because Allen had a crush on her. All Torean had to do now was to make Allen admit it.

ALLEN RIVERA

Friday, 3:21p.m. ~ AFTERSCHOOL

I am too happy the day is over, Allen said to his best friend Patrick as he leaned against the door of his four-year-old red Chevy pick-up truck.

Isn’t everybody? Patrick replied, I tell you bro, going to high school should be optional.

For Sure!

Allen gazed around the parking lot of the high school. Everyone stood around talking to their friends about whatever went down that day. Allen for one had a pretty sweet day. Mr. Brunning didn’t show up to school, he didn’t have any homework so he was able to go to sleep during his study hall class, and he could’ve sworn he saw Carmen checking him out while he was doing his segment of the announcements—not that he cared about what Carmen was looking at; he was not interested in her.

They sure know how to get the boy’s attention around here, don’t they? Patrick mumbled to Allen while his eyes were stuck on three of the most talked about girls in the boy’s locker room at Wilson.

Allen couldn’t help but stare.

The T.L.C.’s, which stood for the names of three sophomore girls by the names of Tiffany, Lauren, and Carmen, were most simply put, the sluts of Wilson High. They